Vietnam vs UAE: Dinh Bac Benched, Trung Kien Takes the Lead
In a thrilling match at the U23 Asian Championships 2026, Vietnam defeated the UAE 3-2 after extra time. This victory secured Vietnam’s spot in the tournament’s semifinals, a historic achievement for the national team.
Match Overview
The match took place on January 12, 2026, at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium. The two teams were tied at 2-2 after the regular time, but Vietnam pulled ahead in extra time.
Key Moments
- Full-Time Score: Vietnam 3, UAE 2
- Important Players: Minh Phúc and Đình Bắc were crucial for Vietnam’s offense.
- Crucial Goals: Minh Phúc scored late in the second half of extra time, sealing the victory.
Match Statistics
| Team | Goals | Possession (%) | Shots on Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | 3 | 48 | 5 |
| UAE | 2 | 52 | 7 |
Path to the Semifinals
Vietnam reached this stage as the winner of Group A, having defeated Jordan 2-0, Kyrgyzstan 2-1, and the host team, Saudi Arabia, 1-0. This was the first time in history that Vietnam topped its group in this prestigious Asian championship.
The UAE, finishing second in Group B, advanced through a tougher path, winning against Qatar 2-0 but losing to Japan 0-3 and drawing with Syria 1-1.
Physical Statistics
The average height of UAE players is 1.793 meters, while Vietnam players average 1.765 meters. Both teams have a similar average age, with UAE at 22.13 years and Vietnam at 22.22 years.
Historical Context
Historically, Vietnam has struggled against the UAE, with UAE winning five of their previous eight encounters. The last few matches between the teams resulted in Vietnam’s defeats, including a notable 0-4 loss in 2023.
In terms of achievements, Vietnam’s best result in U23 Asian Championships was a runner-up finish in 2018. The UAE has yet to reach the semifinals.
Looking Ahead
Vietnam will face either Uzbekistan or China in the semifinals on January 20, 2026. This upcoming match holds the promise of another significant chapter in Vietnam’s football history.
